Heading to the Smoky Mountains is exciting, but can be overwhelming on which trails to hike. After visiting the Smokies over the years I have listed my favorite five must do hikes in the Smoky Mountains. These hikes include anything from incredible views to towering waterfalls. While planning for any of the hikes below you should always get an early start to avoid the crowds. Also, carry enough water to avoid dehydration and bring filling snacks.
This post is based on personal experience and can be subjective.
1. Mt. Leconte
Total Miles: 11 miles Total Elevation Gain: 2763 ft
There are many ways to summit Mt. Leconte. The shortest yet most strenuous being the Alumn Cave trail. Due to it being the shortest you will average an elevation gain of 500ft per mile. This is a classic must do hike if ever visiting the Smoky Mountains. Once at the top, at almost 6600ft in elevation, you are rewarded with panoramic views that you can see for miles on a clear day. Once at the top don’t stop at the lodge. Make sure you visit both Myrtle Pointe and the Cliff Tops to experience all Mt. Leconte has to offer.
2. Charlies Bunion
Total Miles: 8.1 Miles Total Elevation Gain: 1640ft
If you have dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail here is your chance to hike a portion of it in a nice little day hike. Starting at the Newfound Gap parking lot, it’s crucial to get to the trail head early to secure a parking spot. This is a pretty strenuous hike with a rocky trail and a steady incline for the first couple miles. Early spring you will encounter icy rocks and snow all over the trail so be cautious as it can get slippery. Once reaching Charlies Bunion you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views at 6100ft.
3. Abram Falls
Total Miles: 5.1 Miles Total Elevation Gain: 675ft
Located on the back end of Cades Cove, Abram Falls is a great hike that attracts hiking families. This roundtrip hike of 5 miles is a moderate hike that includes a rocky and rooty trail. You are rewarded with an amazing waterfall with a 20ft plunge. While walking around the waterfall please use caution due to the wet rocks becoming extremely slippery. Due to the traffic around around Cades Cove getting congested (especially during peak season) it’s best to hike this trail early on weekdays.
4. Rainbow Falls
Total Miles: 5.4 Miles Total Elevation Gain: 1685ft
Rainbow Falls is another popular attraction yet a must see if hiking the Smokies. This waterfall has an 80ft plunge making it the highest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies. This trail is a steady incline hike where you are averaging 600ft elevation per mile. Frequent breaks are most-likely neccessary. You can knock out two birds with one stone by taking this route to Mt. Leconte extending the hike by 4.2 miles making your total day hike 13 miles.
5. Mount Cammerer
Total Miles: 11.1 miles Total Elevation Gain: 3045
If you are looking for a tough hike this should suite you well. Starting at the Low Gap Trail this hike totals an 11 mile hike and climbing over 3,000ft in elevation that will test you in many ways from strenuous climbs to many switchbacks. Once reaching the top you are rewarded with panoramic views from the fire tower. This is arguably one of the best hikes and best views in the Smoky Mountains reported by many hikers.
While there are many trails and hikes in the Smoky Mountains please be over prepared for any hike. The hikes listed may not be the best or most popular hikes with everyone. However they have been the most memorable and in my personable opinion some of the best MUST hikes to experience in the Smokies.
